ANVISA approves Belviq in Brazil

Belviq was approved by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency. | Courtesy of Shutterstock

Eisai Inc. and Arena Pharmaceutical recently announced that
Belviq, developed by Eisai subsidiary Eisai Laboratories, has been given
regulatory approval by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA).

Belviq was developed to help manage chronic weight.

"Currently, more than half of the Brazilian population
is overweight or obese and, without intervention, these numbers are projected
to increase," Eisai President and Chief Operating Officer Shaji
Procida said. "This approval represents a new option for Brazilians who
find it difficult to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
At Eisai, we remain committed to help address the needs of this patient
population."

Belviq has achieved approval in Brazil as an adjunct
to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for adult patients with a body mass index
(BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more -- which is classified as obese -- who are seeking to manage chronic weight problems.

The formula is also approved
for patients who are overweight, with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher, and have
at least one weight-related co-morbid conditions. Such conditions include high
blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea.